Estanillo and Secretary, Department of Social Services (Social services second review)

The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) considered an application for review of a decision made by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. The applicant, Estanillo, sought to have the AAT review a decision concerning social services benefits.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether to grant an extension of time for Estanillo to lodge an application for review of the AAT's first review decision. This required the Tribunal to consider whether there was an adequate explanation for the delay in lodging the application and whether Estanillo had complied with a direction from the Tribunal within a reasonable time.

The Tribunal noted that the application for review was filed outside the prescribed period. Estanillo failed to provide an adequate explanation for the significant delay. Furthermore, the Tribunal found that Estanillo had not complied with a direction issued by the Tribunal within a reasonable timeframe. Consequently, the Tribunal dismissed the application for review.